Hugo Broos has once again overlooked fan favourite Thembinkosi Lorch after naming Bafana Bafana’s 32-man preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
The provisional squad, announced on Thursday, includes several familiar faces ahead of the final squad reveal at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, 27 May.
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Notable inclusions
Among the notable inclusions is Brandon Petersen, who earns a call-up after impressive performances for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Young talents such as Ime Okon, Siphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Maseko and Evidence Makgopa have also made the cut.
However, Lorch’s absence is again likely to spark debate among supporters.
The 32-year-old attacker, now playing for Al Ittihad after leaving Wydad Casablanca, has rediscovered form and remains a popular figure among South African fans.
Calls for his return
Lorch, who famously scored the winner against Egypt at the 2019 AFCON, has repeatedly been left out by Broos despite calls for his return following his standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Broos has consistently defended the decision, insisting he believes there are stronger options in Bafana’s attacking set-up.
With the final squad still to be trimmed, Lorch appears set to miss out on football’s biggest stage, leaving many fans questioning whether the door has closed permanently on the former Orlando Pirates star.
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PRELIMINARY BAFANA BAFANA WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers (4)
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders (11)
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders (6)
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards (11)
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)
Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)
Right or wrong decision to omit Thembinkosi Lorch?
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